Sansevieria trifasciata
mother-in-law's tongue
S. trifasciata is a succulent perennial forming a clump of erect, sword-shaped deep green leaves with pale green transverse bands, with racemes of small, tubular pale green flowers in summer or autumn
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Size
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
Aspect
Exposure
Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful, if, eaten., , Wear, gloves, and, other, protective, equipment, when, handling
- Genus
Sansevieria are stemless, erect, rhizomatous, succulent perennials with evergreen, ovate or strap-shaped, leathery leaves often attractively marbled, and short spikes of small fragrant tubular greenish-white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in bright filtered light, avoiding full summer sun. Grow outdoors, in a sheltered, frost-free environment, in full sun. Pot on only when pot bound. Tolerant of neglect. Protect from winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by leaf cuttings, suckers or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be attacked by vine weevil
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.